ASSESSING THE IMPACT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CYBERSECURITY MEASURES IN E-LEARNING ON STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS

A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This study gauges the effectiveness and impact of cybersecurity measures of e-learning in students and lecturers, considering the case study of the ODFL online distance and flexible learning platform from Federal Polytechnic Mubi, located in northeastern Nigeria. E-learning is a vital instrument of education especially in the deprived areas, but has become more exposed to cybersecurity breaches like data breaching, phishing, and illegal access. This study aims to assess the security implemented on the ODFL, test its efficiency, and see whether it will enhance user satisfaction and improve educational performance among students and educators. It will use a mixed-method approach: quantitative data obtained from a structured questionnaire among 200 students, faculty members, and IT staff, in addition to some qualitative insights that may be generated through semi-structured interviews with these participants. Results have shown that although encryption and user awareness programs have been implemented as security measures, there are still considerable difficulties because of the limitation in resources, internet connectivity, and low digital literacy. This, in turn, has dragged down overall effectiveness, decreasing users' confidence and use of the internet. This research concludes with the recommendations to make the e-learning platform successful by strengthening cybersecurity, enhancing digital literacy, and strengthening infrastructure in developing regions. Such a research work would provide insightful understanding for institutions which intend to upgrade the security as well as usability of an e-learning system especially in the context of developing regions.